VJ Edgecombe (pictured) headlines the East as a high-upside decide with an opportunity, albeit a distant one, to change into the perfect participant within the class. NIL departures thinned what might need been a a lot deeper draft pool, particularly within the late first and early second rounds, leaving a number of groups trying to find worth amid a shallow discipline. With that context in thoughts, maybe grading on a curve is so as. Right here we current the Japanese Convention draft grades, that includes winners, query marks, and the whole lot in between.
Atlanta Hawks: A
Picks:
23. Asa Newell 6-10, 225, PF, Georgia, Fr.
We acquired intel and reported that the Hawks have been focusing on Asa Newell at decide 13. As an alternative, they pulled off one of many savviest strikes of the draft, buying and selling all the way down to 23 and nonetheless touchdown their man, whereas additionally buying what may very well be a gem of a 2026 unprotected first-round decide from New Orleans. The worth distinction between picks 13 and 23 was minimal on this draft, and we had Asa Newell graded above Derik Queen, so we clearly liked the decide. Atlanta is definitely elevating a quiet cheers to New Orleans for what could go down as one of many extra beneficiant draft-night offers in latest reminiscence. Newell infuses athleticism, defensive upside, and underrated offensive talent into Atlanta’s frontcourt. The Pelicans made what seems to be a reckless transfer, giving up an unprotected 2026 decide that alone wouldn’t have been definitely worth the bounce, a lot much less paired with the twenty third decide. Contemplating the state of their roster and who their high participant is (Zion damage inclined), that future decide may very well be extraordinarily beneficial, particularly in a loaded 2026 draft the place groups might be angling for stars like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Add within the day earlier than acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, and out of doors of Dallas, no staff had a greater draft night time than the Hawks. It’s all due to New Orleans.
Boston Celtics: B
Picks:
28. Hugo Gonzalez 6-7, 225, SG/SF, Spain, Intl.
46. Amari Williams 7-0, 260, C, Kentucky, Sr.
57. Max Shulga 6-5, 195, PG/SG, VCU, Sr.
Brad Stevens continues to make it look straightforward. The Celtics managed to get underneath the second apron by shifting on from Jrue Vacation and Kristaps Porzingis, clearing house whereas including Anfernee Simons as an intriguing offensive weapon. Whereas his long-term match stays unsure, the worth was clear. Hugo Gonzalez was a savvy selection at 28, providing long-term upside as a two-way wing who matches Boston’s tradition. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Gonzalez turns into an much more logical developmental swing. Amari Williams is a surprisingly cell and expert large man who might carve out a job together with his rebounding and passing. Max Shulga will not be flashy, however he brings high-level fundamentals and really feel. Doubting Stevens at this level is a idiot’s errand. This was a disciplined, forward-thinking draft that aligns with Boston’s long-term imaginative and prescient.
Brooklyn Nets: B-
Picks:
8. Egor Demin 6-9, 200, SG/SF, BYU, Fr.
19. Nolan Traore 6-4, 185, PG, France, Intl.
22. Drake Powell 6-6, 200, SG/SF, North Carolina, Fr.
26. Ben Saraf 6-6, 200, PG/SG, Israel, Intl.
27. Danny Wolf 7-0, 250, PF/C, Michigan, Jr.
The Nets saved all 5 of their first-round picks, going all in on quantity and flexibility. Egor Demin is a transparent expertise, however he’s seemingly greatest suited as a secondary playmaker somewhat than the lead guard function Brooklyn could envision for him. Nolan Traore is uncooked however has intriguing instruments and long-term upside. Drake Powell stands out as a possible “star in his function” two-way contributor with the prospect to be a lot better if his offensive sport continues to evolve. Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf each carry stable expertise. Saraf affords scoring instincts, whereas Wolf gives elite passing from a 7-footer. All 5 gamers are notably sturdy passers for his or her positions, suggesting the entrance workplace was sending a message about bettering ball motion. The technique leaned extra towards amount than top-end expertise. Whereas the group provides depth, there isn’t a apparent star. After maintaining all 5 of their first-rounders and buying and selling away their early second-round decide, some Nets followers could have been left questioning if the staff’s 2025 draft technique was starting to resemble the definition of madness: doing the identical factor repeatedly and anticipating completely different outcomes.
Charlotte Hornets: B
Picks:
4. Kon Knueppel 6-7, 215, SG/SF, Duke, Fr.
29. Liam McNeeley 6-8, 215, SF, UConn, Fr.
33. Sion James 6-6, 220, SF, Duke, Sr.
34. Ryan Kalkbrenner 7-2, 260, C, Creighton, Sr.
The Hornets reshaped their roster with 4 picks after buying and selling away Mark Williams, who finally netted them two future first-rounders. They then changed him with Ryan Kalkbrenner, a sophisticated senior who gives instantaneous rim safety and will play rotation minutes immediately. For some purpose, the staff now not appears to have a ban on drafting Duke gamers. Why that may be is anyone’s guess. However in all seriousness, Kon Knueppel could not have the ceiling you usually need at decide 4, but for a staff missing maturity and cohesion, he’s about as dependable and prepackaged because it will get. The choice would have been moving into the scenario unfolding in Utah, and the Hornets don’t have the organizational energy to handle a possible malcontent. Ace Bailey should report and play nicely in Utah, however Charlotte has issues of its personal. Avoiding further drama was seemingly the good transfer, and Knueppel matches. Liam McNeeley was a stable worth late within the first spherical and will contribute shortly. Sion James brings versatility and defensive potential, although his path to minutes is much less sure. Total, Charlotte made measured, pragmatic, albeit low-upside picks that assist stabilize the roster.
Chicago Bulls: B-
Picks:
12. Noa Essengue 6-10, 200, SF/PF, France, Intl.
55. Lachlan Olbrich 6-10, 230, PF/C, Australia, Intl.
Chicago took a swing on upside with Noa Essengue, an extended, fluid ahead whose long-term potential is genuinely intriguing. We truly like Essengue and see the attraction, however the match doesn’t appear nice with Matas Buzelis already on the roster. There’s an actual likelihood Essengue turns into a participant, although it could not occur till after he struggles together with his first staff and figures issues out elsewhere. He’s uncooked and lacks polish, particularly as a shooter and decision-maker, however the bodily instruments are actual. Olbrich doesn’t transfer the needle a lot, and initiatives primarily as a depth piece ought to he make the staff.The trouble is clearly there, however whether or not the expertise is stays to be seen. NIL has clearly affected the draft’s depth, and these are developmental picks for a rebuilding staff prepared to guess on long-term development.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B-
Picks:
49. Tyrese Proctor 6-5, 185, PG, Duke, Jr.
58. Saliou Niang 6-8, 205, SF/PF, Italy, Intl.
Cleveland solely had two picks within the draft, each approaching Thursday night time. Choosing Duke’s Tyrese Proctor was a stable transfer, as he might discover a function on the staff subsequent season, particularly if Ty Jerome departs. Enjoying alongside Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel gave Proctor a confidence increase, and he began to determine issues out this 12 months, however he nonetheless wants to seek out consistency and belief in his sport. A number of years in the past, he was projected to go a lot greater, and the instruments are nonetheless there. Cleveland will hope their growth employees can unlock his potential. Saliou Niang was a participant we had projected to Cleveland. He’s anticipated to be stashed and developed abroad. The expertise is intriguing, however the talent degree nonetheless must catch up.
Detroit Pistons: A
Picks:
37. Chaz Lanier 6-5, 206, SG, Tennessee, Sr.
Detroit solely had a second-round decide on this draft, and so they made probably the most of it by deciding on Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee. For a staff pushing to contend, they did nicely including a 23-year-old, NBA-ready participant who might contribute early. Lanier is a powerful shooter with unorthodox however environment friendly mechanics, an underrated athlete, and a assured scorer who fills a transparent want for flooring spacing round Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey. His long-term upside is considerably restricted as a consequence of age, however this was glorious worth for a participant we graded as a possible late first-rounder. The highest 40 is usually a spread the place groups can nonetheless discover potential contributors, and Lanier matches that mould.
Indiana Pacers: C+
Picks:
38. Kam Jones 6-4, 200, PG/SG, Marquette, Sr.
54. Taelon Peter 6-4, 210, PG/SG, Liberty, Sr.
The NBA feel-good story of the 12 months made a wise pre-draft transfer by buying and selling away their 2025 first-round decide at No. 23 to be able to reacquire their very own 2026 first-rounder. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined as a consequence of an Achilles damage and the potential of additional setbacks, regaining management of their very own ’26 decide might show vital if the season takes a downturn. Kam Jones brings a whole lot of swagger and will discover minutes as an iso-heavy guard. He provides Indiana one other assured shot-maker who may help take in guard minutes within the quick time period. The Pacers additionally chosen Taelon Peter from Liberty, maybe the most important head scratcher of the complete draft. He didn’t begin at Liberty, is without doubt one of the oldest prospects within the class. He’s an extended shot to stay, NIL be damned.
Miami Warmth: B+
Picks:
20. Kasparas Jakucionis 6-6, 205, PG/SG, Illinois, Fr.
The Warmth chosen Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis, a participant many had ranked greater than No. 20. They received stable worth right here with a talented guard who shoots it higher than marketed and brings actual offensive craft. His sport could overlap considerably with Tyler Herro, as each could also be extra suited to secondary ball-handler roles somewhat than working the offense full-time. Maybe they will share a number of the accountability and discover a rhythm collectively, however the concern is on the defensive finish, the place pairing them might current actual challenges. Nonetheless, Jakucionis is a gifted participant who ought to discover success in Miami’s system. Pat Riley actually appeared to imagine that they had hit a house run following the decide.
Milwaukee Bucks: B-
Picks:
47. Bogoljub Markovic 6-11, 210, PF, Serbia, Intl.
The Bucks didn’t make any main strikes on draft night time, deciding on only one participant: Serbian ahead Bogoljub Markovic at decide 47. Markovic brings professional taking pictures contact to the frontcourt, which is one thing Milwaukee will want round Giannis, particularly if Bobby Portis or Brook Lopez are now not within the image. He received the category clown award at Nike Hoop Summit, however maybe his lighthearted character will mix nicely with Giannis and the Bucks locker room. The shot-making is there, however the important thing query is whether or not he can defend nicely sufficient to remain on the ground. It is a long-term play, and whereas he could not contribute immediately, the potential is intriguing.
New York Knicks: B
Picks:
51. Mohamed Diawara 6-9, 225, SF/PF, France, Intl.
The Knicks made only one choice within the draft, taking Mohamed Diawara within the second spherical. He’s extra of a lottery ticket than a prepared contributor. At 6’9” with lengthy arms, he has the bodily instruments to change into a disruptive defender, which inserts the defensive identification the staff constructed underneath its former coach. Offensively, he’s exhibiting some three-point growth and has some imaginative and prescient, however he’s a mission in each sense and can want time to regulate to the NBA sport. The hope is that with endurance and the fitting growth, he can develop right into a helpful piece down the road.
Orlando Magic: B+
Picks:
25. Jase Richardson 6-2, 180, PG/SG, Michigan St., Fr.
32. Noah Penda 6-8, 240, SG/SF, France, Intl.
Orlando made its greatest transfer earlier than the draft by buying Desmond Bane, however on draft night time they stayed aggressive and added helpful depth. At No. 25, they chose Michigan State’s Jase Richardson, a scoring guard with pace and confidence. He’ll want time to regulate and show he can keep wholesome after a big knee damage in highschool, however he has the instruments to ultimately fill a job just like Cole Anthony’s. Within the second spherical, they moved as much as seize Noah Penda, a powerful, defensive-minded wing who performs a connective function and will contribute early. The Magic made good, focused additions that match their push towards competition.
Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Picks:
3. VJ Edgecombe 6-5, 195, PG/SG, Baylor, Fr.
35. Johni Broome 6-10, 250, PF/C, Auburn, Sr.
The Sixers added one of many highest-upside gamers in the complete draft in Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. Whereas the match alongside Joel Embiid could elevate some questions, particularly within the quick time period, Philadelphia might ultimately pivot towards a youthful core in the event that they discover buying and selling Embiid. Edgecombe brings explosive athleticism, defensive vitality, and the potential to develop right into a star-level two-way guard. He’s nonetheless early in his developmental arc and can want time, however there’s a Jimmy Butler or Dwyane Wade kind of dedication to his strategy. Within the second spherical, they chose Johni Broome, probably the most productive gamers in school basketball final season. Whereas Broome lacks top-tier athleticism and should have a restricted ceiling, he’s powerful and expert, with an opportunity to carve out a job as a dependable inside presence. If issues go proper, he has some Carlos Boozer lite potential.
Toronto Raptors: C
Picks:
9. Collin Murray-Boyles 6-8, 240, PF/C, South Carolina, So.
39. Alijah Martin 6-3, 210, SG, Florida, Sr.
Toronto made a stunning transfer at No. 9 by deciding on Collin Murray-Boyles, a participant we had graded decrease within the first spherical. He’s a assured participant with an actual presence, however can he match in the present day’s sport? With Scottie Barnes as the present centerpiece, including one other ahead who doesn’t house the ground creates overlap and potential spacing points. It’s unclear how Murray-Boyles enhances the core, and for a rebuilding staff, that issues. He provides off some Danny Fortson vibes together with his old-school toughness, however in a league shifting away from that archetype, it’s a questionable match. In equity, the worth dropped off after decide 6 or 7, however this nonetheless felt like a attain. One of many extra intriguing storylines heading into the draft was the excitement surrounding Khaman Maluach and whether or not the Raptors, led by an African-born choice maker identified for prioritizing size, would take him at No. 9. The truth that they handed was stunning, and now that it has been revealed Masai Ujiri was on his means out, the query of whether or not he would have drafted Maluach feels unanswered. Maybe Ujiri’s impending absence influenced the choice to cross on the younger African prospect.. Anticipate Ujiri, who’s rumored to have declined the Atlanta GM job, to land on his toes shortly, with curiosity from potential growth possession teams eyeing him for a high management function. The second-round choice Alijah Martin may very well be serviceable, although not particularly inspiring. He’s powerful and skilled, however at 6-3, he figures to have a problem overcoming top points.
Washington Wizards: B
Picks:
6. Tre Johnson 6-6, 190, SG, Texas, Fr.
21. Will Riley 6-9, 185, SG/SF, Illinois, Fr.
43. Jamir Watkins 6-6, 215, SF, Florida St., Sr.
At No. 6, the Wizards chosen Tre Johnson, a talented shot-maker with good size and the power to create for himself and others. He has the instruments to change into a high-level professional if he stays centered and dedicated to creating his sport. If issues click on, Washington could have discovered one other key piece to hitch Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr as a part of a younger core they will begin constructing a profitable staff round. At No. 21, they added Will Riley, a good decide who confirmed flashes at Illinois and will change into serviceable if he will get stronger and extra disciplined. Within the second spherical, they took Jamir Watkins, a flexible wing who doesn’t excel in anyone space however might carve out a job together with his all-around sport. The Wizards additionally formally pulled the plug on the Jordan Poole experiment, sending him to New Orleans and including CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round decide in return.
